Newsletters Futures 2017

For each vintage and each appellation, there are always wines that distinguished themselves by being cheaper than others with the same quality level, or by being far better than others in the same range of prices.

These “best values for money” of the current vintage are highlighted in this category.

Doisy-Daëne is never the sweetest wine in its sector, but it always has an unparalleled aromatic expression and refinement. A pure Barsac, brilliantly orchestrated by Denis Dubourdieu (deceased in 2016).

Denis Dubourdieu (deceased in 2016), known for the quality' of his whites, was concerned to produce in his Château Reynon (80% Merlot) a balanced and charming red wine, favouring fresh fruit and silky tannins.

Puyguéraud is the reference in the Côtes de Francs, producing very high quality wines with great regularity. The owner and oenologist, Nicolas Thienpont, also takes care of Pavie-Macquin, Beauséjour-Duffau, Larcis-Ducasse and Berliquet in St-Émilion. Always impeccable price/quality ratio.

Property of 6 ha in Côtes de Castillon acquired in 2011 by the oenologist M. Thienpont (Puyguéraud, Pavie-Macquin, Larcis-Ducasse, Berliquet, etc.). After 5 years of restructuring, Mr. Thienpont is finally proud of his wine and offers it for the first time in 2016. Even if Merlot is dominant (92%), Alcée stands out from its neighbours by its emphasis on finesse, minerality and distinction. A wine in length and not in width!

80% Merlot, La Chenade is the almost second wine of the Cruzelles. Designed and conceived by Mr. Durantou (Église-Clinet), this is one of the best quality/price ratios on the entire right bank. In confidence!

Les Trois Croix is the personal property of Mr. Léon, who was technical director of Mouton-Rothschild for more than 20 years. He is dedicated to producing straightforward, digestible Fronsacs, among the most elegant and distinguished in the sector. The dresses are not the darkest but the power and harmony are there. In confidence!

Under the leadership of Mr Thunevin (Valandraud), La Vieille Cure has a more gourmet and less square profile than before. Given by Wine Advocate as "the reference point of the Fronsacs in view of its performance over the past ten years.".

Mr. Durantou, a perfectionist and proud owner of L'Église-Clinet in Pomerol, acquired in 2008 his second château, 4.5 ha of vines in Côtes de Castillon, called Montlandrie. Devoting all his efforts and know-how to this, with the desire to always produce a wine overflowing with a crisp and juicy fruitiness, Mr. Durantou immediately placed Montlandrie among the very best wines of Castillon.

Selection of the best parcels of Château de Carles (10 ha out of the 20 ha of the estate), certainly the finest and most ambitious wine of Fronsac, making since 2000 equal game with the best classified growths of the slopes of Saint-Émilion.